Furious over the spurt in bribery cases against policemen, Mumbai police commissioner has issued a warning through a circular that adverse remarks would be recorded in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) of senior officers if their subordinates are caught in such cases.

The arrests of at least 20 policemen at city's various police stations by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has prompted the Mumbai police chief Arup Patnaik issue this order, said an IPS officer.

"The circular was issued a few days ago. The chief may have thought of tightening the screw of the seniors (deputy commissioner of Police and below), so that, they will not leave any room for the juniors to indulge in taking bribes," deputy police commissioner (spokesperson) Nisar Tamboli said.

"Adverse remarks will be made in the ACR of DCP, assistant police commissioner and senior inspector of that particular police station, if any of their juniors is caught taking bribe," Tamboli added.

The ACR is an important document that lists the good, as well as the bad work done by a particular officer during his or her career in the department.

"In the event of any policeman getting caught in a corruption case, an adverse inference will be drawn about the ability and will of the DCP, ACP and in-charge of the police station to check corruption among his subordinates. Appropriate entry to this effect will be taken in his ACR," he said.

Tamboli added that the in-charge of the police station (Senior Inspector) will be immediately transferred without any explanation, if any of his subordinates are caught taking bribe.